HP Officejet Pro 251dw, 276dw Printers - Wireless Printer Setup (Windows)

How do I reconnect the printer to my network if the connection is lost or I get a new router?

If your printer disconnects from your wireless network after setup, if you changed your Internet service provider, or you purchased a new router, you can manually reconnect the printer to your network with the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer

Step 1: Gather the required network setup items

You must have the following items before you install the printer on the wireless network:

Gather the following items:
- Network name (SSID)
- Network security password (WEP key or WPA passphrase)
- A computer that is connected to your wireless network
- Your wireless-capable printer: Place it close to the computer during the installation
Make sure that the printer, router, and computer are all turned on, and that the computer is connected to the same wireless network you are connecting the printer to.
Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.

Step 2: Connect to the wireless network

The Wireless Setup Wizard provides an easy way to set up and manage the wireless connection toyour printer.

On the printer control panel, touch the Right Arrow to display the second navigation screen.
Touch the Setup icon .
Touch Network, touch Wireless Setup Wizard, then touch Continue.
Touch the name of your network in the list of available networks, then touch OK.
If the list does not contain your network name, touch Enter New Network Name, then follow the on-screen instructions to enter your network name.
If prompted, type the WEP or WPA key (network password).

note:
If a connection error message displays, make sure you typed the uppercase (capital) and lowercase (small) letters for the network name and password exactly. Follow the prompts to type the information again.

What if I do not know my wireless network name or password?

Go to How to Find the WEP or WPA Key or Password for Your Wireless Network for methods to look up your network name and password information.

What can I do to troubleshoot network or printer connection issues?

Use these recommendations and procedures to troubleshoot and avoid wireless connectivity issues.

Restart the printer and the computer: Restarting the computer and the printer can clear error conditions.
Confirm the printer connection and network name: On the printer, make sure the blue light next to the Wireless icon is on and steady. Open the Wireless network menu to make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
Move the printer and router closer together: Move the printer and the computer closer to your wireless router, to within 6 ft (1.8 m). Wireless signals are weaker at greater distances between the printer and the router.
Manually connect the printer to the network: Many HP printers have a Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer control panel network or wireless settings menus. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to the network.
Restart the router: If you are experiencing a slow or intermittent wireless connection, restart your router. Consult your router manufacturer, Internet service provider, or network administrator for instructions on how to restart the router.
Check the router band setting: Many routers operate in both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands, but not all HP printers support both bands. Make sure the 2.4 GHz router band is turned on and broadcasting. If the router broadcasts separate network names (SSIDs) for each band, connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band SSID.
Check your firewall software: Your firewall software might prevent the printer from accessing the computer. Accept or allow any firewall messages that display during the printer software download and installation. You can also configure the software to allow HP downloads and installations.
Check for obstructions between the printer and the router: Remove any metal objects between the printer, the computer, and the access point (router). Objects such as refrigerators or metal bookcases can interfere with wireless signals.
Check for other devices that emit radio and wireless signals: Move any devices that emit radio signals, such as microwaves and cordless telephones, farther away from the printer.
Set the IP address on the printer: Your printer can bypass automatic IP address assignment by DHCP and use any valid IP address you choose. Use the control panel menu to type an IP address that is valid for use on your local area network.

What if an 'Unable to find printer' message displays during the installation?

The installer software cannot set up the printer if it is not available on the network, or if there is a problem with your local network.

For detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the error, go to Printer Not Found During Network Driver Setup (Windows).

Can I set up the wireless connection if I already installed the HP software and driver?

If you previously installed the software for a USB or Ethernet network connection, and now want to switch to a wireless connection, you can change the connection type with the HP software.

Open or search for the HP folder in your list of installed software programs, click the folder for your printer, then click the name of your printer. The printer software opens.
Click Utilities, then click Printer Setup & Software.
Click Connect a new printer, then follow the on-screen instructions to set up the printer on your wireless network.

What if the HP Installer recommends to send the wireless settings to your printer?

If you install your driver within one to two hours after you first set up the printer, you might see a ‘Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer (recommended)’ option during the installation.

HP Auto Wireless Connect automatically connects your printer to your wireless network without cables or entering network name and password settings. Many HP printers use this method to connect, depending on your computer and network environment.

HP recommends this network setup method if it displays. If this method does not display, you can connect using another guided setup process.

HP Officejet Pro 251dw, 276dw Printers - Wireless Printer Setup (Windows)

Step 1: Gather the required network setup items

Step 2: Connect to the wireless network

Step 3: Install the driver

Frequently asked questions

How do I reconnect the printer to my network if the connection is lost or I get a new router?

Step 1: Gather the required network setup items

Step 2: Connect to the wireless network

What if I do not know my wireless network name or password?

What can I do to troubleshoot network or printer connection issues?

What if an 'Unable to find printer' message displays during the installation?

Can I set up the wireless connection if I already installed the HP software and driver?

What if the HP Installer recommends to send the wireless settings to your printer?

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